Lehmann says 'big moments' can win Ashes for Oz instead of 'first session'

Australian head coach Darren Lehmann has said that he does not believe that the Ashes can often be shaped by the first session or the first ball as it is the big moments in the game which matter.

The former Australian batsman expressed his excitement at the fact that the tickets of the first three days for the Gabba Test have almost been sold out, saying that he is happy with the preparation of Australia and is banking on their unbeaten record at the Gabba since 1989.

According to News.com.au, Lehmann said that he hopes of seeing big moments in the winter Ashes series like that of David Hookes smacking five boundaries in a row off Tony Greig in the Centenary Test at the MCG, adding that such moments can lure fresh young faces to the game.

Lehmann said that there have been major early moments which shaped Gabba Tests such as Michael Slater's first ball cut for four off Phil DeFreitas and when Steve Harmison barely hit the pitch with his first ball here in 2006-07.

According to Lehmann, Australia wants to play good hard, uncompromising cricket that their fans can be proud of, adding that they have learned a lot from what happened in England, which they need to rectify that in Australia by playing aggressively.